Last weekend saw Window Wanderland return to Southfields for a second year running and local residents took to their feet to walk the streets and see all the wonderful, colourful window displays created around the neighbourhood. Our theme for this year, was once again based around music with the Proclaimers song "But I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more".
In an average lifetime, we walk about 100,000 miles, which is tough on our feet. Yet our bodies were designed for moving not standing still, so walking is good exercise and it is free. Walking helps the muscles and ligaments in our feet to work more efficiently, and helps keep them supple and flexible. If you look after your feet, they will walk you to great health. If you are looking to get fitter and healthier, why not undertake an activity that comes naturally to us all.
Your feet are for life so it is vital that you care for your feet and take preventative measures to ensure they remain healthy. Here you will find tips on foot problems associated with walking and why, when and how you should seek the advice of a podiatrist.
Benefits of walking
Walking is good for you and if done at a brisk pace for regular exercise it helps condition your body and improve overall cardiovascular health in the same way running and jogging do. But compared with running, walking carries a significantly lower risk of injury, it reduces stress and gives you time to clear your head and aids better sleep. It's the nearest thing to 'perfect' exercise in terms of a safe, all-round workout and it doesn't cost a penny or need any special equipment.
- If you walk an extra 20 minutes a day, you'll burn off more than 3kg of body fat a year.
- A single step uses up to 200 muscles. So you're not only doing a little cardio, but toning your muscles too and walking is easy on your joints.
- Walking can halve your risk of coronary heart disease and help prevent some cancers and cuts cholesterol.
- Walking may slow cognitive decline in adults, especially those with existing conditions such as Alzheimer's.
- Walking can help to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes
- Walking requires little equipment can be done almost anywhere and is entirely free.
- Can help improve circulation in your feet by stimulating the development of tiny new blood vessels.
So even if you have to sit around a lot in your job or at home, try to get up and walk briskly for at least 30 minutes every day. Feet are adaptable and can withstand a lot of pressure before they rebel. If you walk a lot, it’s important to wear the right footwear which won’t damage your feet.